Topo 2 alpha test FDA approved

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 17 No 3
Volume 17
Issue 3

TOP2A FISH pharmDx assay has received FDA approval for use as an adjunct to existing clinical and pathological information in determining the prognosis for patients with relatively high-risk breast cancer.

ROCKVILLE, Maryland-Dako’s TOP2A FISH pharmDx assay has received FDA approval for use as an adjunct to existing clinical and pathological information in determining the prognosis for patients with relatively high-risk breast cancer.

It is the first approved test for assessing clinical breast cancer tissue specimens for amplifications and deletions of the topoisomerase 2-alpha gene.

This information aids physicians in evaluating the prognosis for breast cancer patients, since patients with normal topo 2-alpha status have a better outcome than patients with topo 2-alpha gene amplifications or deletions.

The test is suitable for breast cancer patients who are premenopausal or for whom tumor characteristics, such as tumor size or lymph node involvement, suggest a higher likelihood of tumor recurrence or decreased survival.

Topo 2-alpha appears to be a molecular target for the pharmacologic action of anthracyclines, with implications for use of these agents, the Danish-based company said. In a new analysis of the BCIRG 006 trial data, anthracyclines were beneficial only in the subset of patients who had co-amplification of HER2 and the topo 2-alpha gene (see Oncology News International January 2008, page 1).

Recent Videos
Findings from David Rimm, MD, PhD, suggest that there may be an inverse relationship between HER2 and TROP2 expression among patients with breast cancer.
Tissue samples collected from patients with breast cancer during treatment may help explore therapy selection and predict toxicities.
Breast cancer care providers make it a goal to manage the adverse effects that patients with breast cancer experience to minimize the burden of treatment.
Social workers and case managers may have access to institutional- or hospital-level grants that can reduce financial toxicity for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Insurance and distance to a tertiary cancer center were 2 barriers to receiving high-quality breast cancer care, according to Rachel Greenup, MD, MPH.
Antibody-drug conjugates are effective, but strategies such as better understanding the mechanisms of action may lead to enhanced care for patients with cancer. Antibody-drug conjugates are effective, but strategies such as better understanding the mechanisms of action may lead to enhanced care for patients with cancer.
ADCs demonstrate superior efficacy vs chemotherapy but maintain a similar efficacy profile that requires multidisciplinary collaboration to optimally treat.
According to Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH, FASCO, antibody-drug conjugates are slowly replacing chemotherapy as a standard treatment for breast cancer.
Related Content